Ideas for indoor activities, games, and group play that 5-year-olds enjoy
At age five, children deepen their friendships through play—cooperating with peers and becoming aware of others’ feelings—while developing social skills and teamwork.
In this article, we’re sharing indoor play ideas that are perfect for the developmental needs of five-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a wide range of activities: energetic games that get kids moving, activities that nurture thoughtful problem-solving, and simple DIY toy-making ideas that are easy to create and fun to play with.
We’re focusing on activities that encourage communication with friends during play, so use these ideas as a reference and enjoy meaningful time with the children.
Ideas for indoor activities, games, and group play that 5-year-olds like (1–10)
Mark-finding game
The “Mark Hunt Game,” where you walk along specified marks like circles, triangles, and squares, is an indoor activity recommended for children aged five and up.
First, tape several sheets of paper with different marks drawn on them to the floor to make a path.
Also prepare one sheet for each type of mark at the goal.
The children start while holding a ball.
It’s best to play barefoot so they don’t slip.
At the end, count how many balls were correctly placed at the goal for each team.
Competing by team and counting out loud together makes it really exciting!
Sinking Game
Everyone is a crew member on a ship, and the teacher is the shark.
While you’re on the ship, the shark won’t attack, but when the command “We’re sinking!” is given, the ship sinks and you have to run away to avoid being caught by the shark.
The kids know it isn’t a real shark, but they love this kind of thrilling game and really get excited.
The person calling the commands shouldn’t say “sinking” right away—start with “chi, chi, chi,” and mix in other words that start with “chi,” like “chingensai” (bok choy) or “cheese,” to fake them out.
Word Search Game
A word-search activity that helps children learn the Japanese syllabary while also supporting their development.
It’s a game you can learn through play and that also builds the basics of reading and writing.
First, write characters on colored construction paper with circles drawn on it, then cut them out.
Once all the characters are cut, scatter them randomly.
Divide into a few teams, then find and assemble characters from the syllabary to form words.
You can set various victory conditions, such as making as many words as possible or making the longest word.
It’s a game that can help five-year-olds become familiar with characters and also foster cooperation with friends and family—why not give it a try?
Cup-and-ball (kendama) made with paper cups
Here’s a paper-cup kendama that’s fun for practicing tricks.
The main materials for this idea are two paper cups, string, and origami paper.
First, prepare a ball made by rolling up origami paper and attach a string to it.
Next, connect the two paper cups bottom to bottom, gluing the string between them.
In no time, your kendama is complete.
It could also be fun to decorate the cups however you like.
By the way, if it’s hard to catch the ball, try attaching the string to the rim side of the cup instead.
Daikon Game
Do your best not to get pulled out! This is the “Daikon Game” that everyone can enjoy.
First, a few people lie face down on the floor and hold hands.
The remaining people grab the legs of those lying down and pull as if they’re uprooting a radish.
If you let go of hands or get pulled out, you lose.
Usually there’s one person doing the pulling, but if it’s among preschoolers, having multiple pullers could make it even more fun.
straw wrapper
Let’s incorporate a fun, blow-and-play straw trumpet into childcare activities.
First, prepare a sheet of construction paper cut into a semicircle with a diameter of 25–30 cm.
If possible, ask the children what colors they want and have their favorites ready.
Roll the construction paper into a trumpet shape and secure it with tape.
Next, cut both sides of the tip of a straw at an angle, and also cut off the tip of the paper trumpet.
Slowly insert the straw, starting from the cut end, through the trumpet’s opening, and secure it with tape at the end.
Flatten the cut end of the straw and blow into it… See if it makes a sound and have everyone play together!
karuta game
Let’s try making a set of karuta cards with five-year-olds as the main participants.
The key point for expanding this into an SDGs activity is to align the karuta content with the SDGs.
Of course, the teacher can create the content, but drawing on the children’s ideas will likely produce some interesting concepts! Before making the karuta, it will go more smoothly if you provide plenty of opportunities to learn about the SDGs using picture-story shows or books.
Have the children draw the illustrations as well.
The finished karuta will be completely original to your preschool! The children will feel attached to it and enjoy playing with it.